Slow motion rotary sprinkler



May 2, 1933. .1. H. KEYS SLOW MOTION ROTARY SPRINKLER Filed Nov. 11. 1931 Patented May 2, 1933 l,%6,382

entree er JOHN KEYS, F DAYTON, OHIO SLOW MOTION ROTARY SPRINKLER Application filed Hovemcer 11, 1931. Serial No. 574,376.

invention relates to rotary sprinklers, tary sprinklers or other mechanisms which and more particularly to a slow motion will impart to the dr1ven mechan1sm poslsprinkler wherein the discharge nozzle is two impulses and wh1ch will not be unduly rotated a comparatively low rate of speed susceptible to change of balance or change of under i fluence of water pressure. position within reasonable range.

Slow motion sprinklers are well known in With the above primary and other incithis art. Heretofore various means have dental objects in view, as will more fully been employed for transmitting rotary moappear in the specification, this invention tion to a discharge nozzle at a relatively low consists of the features of construction, the

rate of speed including various forms of gear parts and combinations thereof, and the drive mechanism, vibrating actuators, unmode of operation, or their equivalents, as

balanced rotary governors and the like. The hereinafter described and set forth in the present construction embodiesia slow rotat claims. I

ing main discharge nozzle and a rapidly Referring to the accompanying drawing e! rotating impeller carried by the main nozzle wherein is shown the preferred but obvious- 65 and transmitting thereto a succession of. ly not necessarily the only form of embodirapid impact blows in offset relation with ment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a perspective the a.-is of rotation of the main discharge view of a rotary discharge nozzle upon which nozzle. The present disclosure is a further is mounted a rotary impact impeller in radevelopment'and amplification of the condially offset relation by which a progres- 76 struction disclosed in my cop-ending applicasively rotary motion is transmitted to the tion Serial No. 488AO0, filed October 13, nozzle. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view 1930 since matured into Letters Patent No. of the impeller. V Fig. 3 isa perspective View ,87fi63, of March 1, 1932 of which applicaof a modification of the construction shown ion the present is a continuation in part. in Fig. 1 wherein a panel wheel type of im- The object of the invention is to simplify peller is employed in lieu of the jet reaction the structure as well as the means and mode type illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig. 4; is a side of operation of slow motion rotary sprinklers elevation of a further modification wherein and like whereby they wil not only be the rotary impeller is mounted directly upon cheapened in construction, but will be more the discharge nozzle. Fig. 5 is an end elevaemcient in use, positive in operation, uniform tion of the construction illustrated in Fig. 4:.

' t on, and unlikely to get out of repair. Like parts are indicated by similar char- A further object of the invention is to proacters of reference throughout the several vide a speed reduction means or slow motion views.

device whereby a rapidly rotating impeller Referring to the accompanying drawing, or actuator will transmit actuating impulses 1 is a supply conduit through which water in rapid succession to a driven member is supplied under pressure having at its exmounted eccentrically in relation with such tremity a coupling sleeve for mounting 2 in impeller or actuator thereby effecting rotawhich is journaled for rotation about a vertion of the driven member at a materially less tical axis, a rotary distributor head 3 having speed. projecting radially from one side thereof a A further object of the invention is to prodischarge nozzle 4. The distributor head 3 a sow motion sprinkler mechanism and discharge nozzle i may be of any suitable nh *lrwill contain a minimum number of or desirable formation which. for illustrating parts. and wherein the parts will tive purposes, has been reduced to a very sim- .n'dy and strong, capable of withstandple and elemental form. The discharge hard usage, and possessing large bearing nozzle 4 has been shown directed slightly surfaces subject to minimum wear. rearwardly relative to the direction of rota- A further object of the invention is to protion whereby the reaction of the discharged L vide a slow motion drive mechanism for rostream, although insufficient to effect rotary motion, will nevertheless assist in such action. Such disposition of the discharge nozzle, however, is not necessary nor essential since the impeller means to be described may supply the entire motive force required.

Extending laterally from the distributor head 3 in a direction substantially opposite the discharge nozzle l, is an arm 5 upon which is mounted the actuating impeller in laterally offset relation with the axis of r0 tation. The radial arm 5 is provided with a water passage therethrough and terminates in a hollow trunnion stud 6 inclined rearwardly relative to the direction of rotation as is shown in Fig. 1. The passage within the arm 5 and the terminal trunnion 6 supplies water under pressure through lateral discharge orifices 7, in such short trunnion, to the impeller or high speed runner comprising the rotary head 8 mounted upon the hollow trunnion stem 6 and carrying radially disposed jet arms 9 which are inclined to the plane of rotation of the head 8 whereby the discharged streams preferably do not intersect the stream discharged from the main nozzle 4. If desired these jet arms 9 may be extended in relation perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the head 8, but by being inclined to such axis of rotation, they not only avoid the line of discharge from the main nozzle but also do not discharge forcibly upon the ground adjacent to the sprinkler. The relation of the jet arms 9 is preferably such that at the lower limit of their rotary path of travel they assume a substantially horizontal position as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1 and likewise at the top of such rotary path of travel the jet arms will assume a substantially vertical position. Such relation of the arms, however, may be varied as desired. The jet arms 9 are provided with discharge orifices 10 in their extremities and preferably also at 11 adjacent to their extremities on the rear sides of such arms relative to the direction of rotation of the impeller. The water supplied under pressure through the hollow supporting arm 5 discharged through the jet arms 9 with repulsion effect thus rotating the impeller or runner 8 at a comparatively high rate of speed.

For the purpose of transmitting rotary motion to the distributor head 3 at a lower speed of rotation, the under side of the runnes or impeller head 8 and the extremity of the supporting arm 5 about the trunnion stem 6, are formed with complementary helical cam surfaces 12 and 13 which ride one upon the other as the members ro ate. As the impeller or runner 8 rotates about the stem 6, its cam surface 12 climbs the inclined surface 13 thus giving to the runner or impeller an axial movement upon the trunnion stem 6 simultaneously with its rotation. The

and the trunnion stem 6 is" the shoulder or terminal end of the helical cam 12 of the impeller or runner 8 reaches the shoulder or terminal of the helical cam 13 upon the extremity of the arm 5, the impeller or runner 8 is permitted to suddenly drop under the influence of gravity. However the momentum of the impeller 8 is such that it continues its rotation during descent and impinges upon the cam 13 in a direction oblique to the plane of rotation. The trunnion stem 6, as before mentioned, being inclined rearwardly in relation to the direction to the rotation of the distributor head 3, the impact of the runner or impeller being transmitted to the distributor head 3 in a radially offset relation with the axis of rotation thereof is sufficient to overcome the inertia of the distributor head 3 causing it to be momentarily advanced about its vertical axis. In this construction it. is not the rotary effect of the impeller per se, but rather the repetitious impact impulses delivered by the impeller under influence of gravity which effects the rotary movement.

The impeller or runner 8 dropping from the top to the lower portion of the cam 13 at each rotation transmits to the head actuating impulses in rapid succession. Each impulse advances the distributor head 3 in its rotation but a short step. The speed of the impeller or runner being quite rapid thus afiords a continuous succession of impulses which are delivered in the direction of rotation but in laterally offset or in eccentric rela tion with the axis thereof and effects a comparatively continuous rotation of the dis tributor head 3 at a relatively low rate of speed. The main discharge nozzle l of the distributor head discharges a stream of water to a considerable distance beyond the range of the repulsion jet arms 9 of the impeller. These jet arms 9 distribute the water over a central circular area while the main discharge nozzle 4 distributes water over an annular area of greater diameter and beyond that covered by water from the jet arms 9. The orifices 10 and 11 of the jet arms are so proportioned in relation with the relative speed of rotation to that of the main nozzle, that substantially uniform distribution of water is effected over the combined area.

In Fig. 3 there is shown modification of the construction heretofore described, wherein a main discharge nozzle 15 of a conventional adjustable type is mounted upon rotary cross arm 16 carried by the mounting 2 and rotatable about a vertical axis. The cross arm 16 carries at one extremity a paddle wheel 17 revolubly mounted upon a trunnion stud inclined to the vertical in the direction of rotation of the cross head. An auxiliary jet nozzle 18 is provided, the stream of which is directed upon the arms of paddle wheel 17 causing the latter to rotate at a rela-tively high rate of speed. The hub paddle wheel 17 is formed with a helicalcam surface 12 rotatively engaging a corresponding am surface 13 carried by the cross head 16. As the paddle wheel 17 rotates upon its trunnion stud, it effects a limited reciprocatory movement in an axial direction wherein it rides up the incline of the cam surface l3 and dropping from the shoulder or high point thereof under influence of gravity it imparts to the cross head 16 an impact impulse. It will be understood that the trunnion stud upon which the paddle wheel rotates is inclined to such degree that the impact impulses are delivered in the direction of rotation of the cross head 16 under influence of gravity which tends to return the paddle wheel axially of its trunnionstud when it has been elevated by engagement with the cam surface 13. The continuous repetition of the impact impulses transmits to the cross head 16 a substantially continuous rotary motion. The nozzle 15 is preferably,though not necessarily, revolubly adjustable upon the cross head 16 and is secured in position by means of a clamp collar 19. By rotatively adjusting the main discharge nozzle 15 to different inclined positions relative to the path of travel about the vertical axis of the head 16, the reaction effect of the 'dischargec stream from such nozzle 15 may be utilized more or less effectively to accelerate orretard as desired the rate of rotation of the cross head. In the event that the paddle wheel 17 is sufliciently heavy to transmit to the cross head rotary motion at a rate faster than desired, the main discharge nozzle 15 may be so adjusted as to counteract to greater or less degree the motive effect of the paddle wheel. Likewise the effective actionof the paddle wheel may be varied by locating such impeller or actuator a greater or less distance radially from the axis of rotation of the distributor head 16. r

In Figs. 1 and 5 there is shown a further modification wherein the paddle wheel. 17 is mounted directly upon the main discharge nozzle 15 for rotation about an inclined axis. The discharge nozzle is in turn mounted for rotation about a vertical axis in relation with which the paddle wheel 17 is mounted in laterally offset or eccentric relation. \Vhile the paddle wheel illustrated in Fig. 4 is of somewhat different type embodying a disc 20 having a central hub 21 and vanes 22 disposed in radial spaced relation about the hub 21, the function and operation is that before described. The hub 21 is formed with a cam surface 12 coacting with a similar cam surface 13 located in inclined position upon the side of the discharge nozzle 15. The paddle wheel 17 possesses a slight axial movement simultaneously with its rotation under influence of gravity as the high point or shoulder of the cam surface 12 passes beyond the corresponding point of the cam 13. The paddle wheel 17 is actuated by a jet 23 communicating laterally with the main discharge nozzle 15. As the paddle wheel rotates it imparts repetitious impact impulses. to the main nozzle 15 tending to rotate such. nozzle about its vertical axis.

In lieu of relying upon gravity for the axial return of the impeller into impact on gagement with the driven member, such impeller maybe spring actuated. In Fig. 5 a spring is shown surrounding the trunnion stem 6 against the yielding resistance of whichthe impeller is moved axially by the camming action of the engaging faces, and underthe influence of which it is forcibly returned to impart the impact impulses to the rotative driven member upon which it is mounted. Such spring may be applied to any of the forms of device illustrated. By use of the spring 24, the apparatus may be used upon a hill side or in a'reclining position, or if necessary, it may be inverted in which case the spring would be of sufficient strength to overcome gravity influence.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages. f

l/Vhile in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise the preferred form of several modes of putting the invention into effect,

c and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and validscope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

, 1. In an automatic sprinkler, a rotary dis tributor head revoluble about a vertical axis, high speed rotary impeller mounted upon the distributor head for rotation about an inclined axis in laterally offset relation with the axis of rotation of the distributor head, repulsion et arms carried by the impeller, means for supplying water under pressure simultaneously to the distributor head and to the impeller, and means for effecting intermittent impact engagement between the impeller and distributor head for imparting to the latter actuating impulses.

2. In an automatic sprinkler, a rotary distributor head revoluble about a substantially vertical axis, an impeller therefor mounted in eccentric relation to the axis of rotation of the distributor head and capable of both rotary and axial motion, means for supplying water under pressure to both the distributor head and to the impeller, means for effecting axial movement of the impeller simultaneously with its rotation, said impeller impacting upon the distributor head upon its axial movement in one direction to impart thereto successive actuating impulses.

3. In an automatic sprinkler, a rotary distributor head, a fluid pressure operated rotary impeller mounted in eccentric relation with the axis of rotation of the distributor head and capable of movement toward and from the head, means for effecting movement of the impeller away from the distributor head by its rotary motion and adapted to release the impeller for return movement into impact engagement with the distributor head for imparting an actuating impulse thereto.

i. An automatic sprinkler, including a 1'0- tary distributor head, and a rotary impeller eccentrically mounted relative to each other for independent rotation, actuating means for the impeller, helical cam means for efiecting agradual axial movement of the impeller in one direction simultaneously with its rotation and a sudden return movement thereof at the end of the cam, the impact of the impeller at the limit of its return movement when released from the cam being transmitted to the distributor head in the approximate direction of rotation thereof for imparting thereto an actuating impulse.

5. An automatic sprinkler including a rotary distributor head, an actuator weight carried thereby in laterally offset relation with the axis of rotation of the head, said weight being mounted for reciprocatory movement into and out of impinging engagement with the distributor head, means for automatically elevating the weight and for releasing the weight when in elevated position, the impact of the released weight upon the distributor head at the limit of its return movement operating to momentarily advance the distributor head.

6. In a slow motion device, driving and driven members mounted in eccentric relation for independent rotation at different rates of speed, means for imparting rotary motion to the driving member, said driving member being capable of to and fro axial movement into and out of impact engagement with the driven member in addition to its rotary motion, means for intermittently retracting the driving member axially simultaneously with the rotation thereof and adapted to release the retracted driving member for impact engagement with the driven member to impart thereto an actuating imupon eccentrically disposed axes inclined one to the other, actuating means for rotating one of the members, said member being axially movable in addition to its rotary motion, means for effecting intermittent axial motion thereof and for releasing the member for return motion into contact with the other member, the impact of which imparts to such other member a rotative impulse.

8. A revoluble member having to and fro axial motion simultaneously with its rotation, and-a second revoluble member mounted for rotation in laterally offset relation with the first member upon which the axially movable member impinges at the limit of its axial movement in one direction, means for rotating the first member at a relatively high rate of speed, and means for effecting axial movement thereof, the other member being actuated through a step by step motion by the intermittent axial impact engagement of the first member therewith.

9. In a slow motion device, a rotary driven member, a vibratory impeller therefor mounted in laterally offset relation to the axis of rotation of the driven member and means for transmitting thereto reciprocatory movement into and out of impact engagement with the driven member in a direction inclined to its plane of rotation and transmitting thereto a succession of actuating impulses.

10. In a slow motion sprinkler, a rotary distributor head and a Water pressure operated impeller therefor mounted in laterally off set relation to the axis of rotation of the distributor head for reciprocatory motion toward and from the distributor head and having intermittent impact engagement therewith in a direction oblique to its plane of rotation for transmitting thereto a succession of actuating impulses.

11. In a slow motion rotary sprinkler, a rotary distributor head and a water pressure operated vibratory impeller mounted eccentrically in relation with the axis of rotation of the distributor head for to and fro motion into and out of actuating engagement therewith, and actuating means for automatically reciprocating the impeller repetitiously into and out of impact engagement with the rotary distributor head to impart thereto a succession of actuating impulses.

12. In an automatic sprinkler, a rotary distributor head including a laterally extending supporting arm, a rotary impeller mounted thereon for rotation about an inclined axis upon which the impeller is capable of reciprocatory motion simultaneously with its rotation, water pressure means for actuating ing arm a succession of impact impulses by which the distributor head is advanced laterally ofi'set relative to the axis of rotathrough progressive rotary motion.

13. In an automatic sprinkler, a rotary distributor head, a rotary paddle wheel carried thereby and mounted for to and fro axial motion, a jet nozzle discharging water under pressure upon the paddle wheel for effecting rotation thereof, and means for effecting to and fro axial motion of the paddle wheel into and out of impact engagement with the distributor head for imparting thereto a succession of actuating impulses.

1a. In an automatic sprinkler, a rotary distributor head, a rotary paddle wheel carried thereby and capable of axial movement into and out of impact engagement with the distributor head, a jet nozzle discharging water under pressure upon the paddle wheel for actuating the same and a helical cam imparting to the paddle wheel an axial motion simultaneously with its rotation, the wheel being released at the end of the cam for return motion into impact engagement with the distributor head.

15. In an automatic sprinkler, a rotary distributor head, a rotary paddle wheel mounted thereon for rotation about an inclined axis and capable of axial motion into. and out of impact engagement with the distributor head, a jet nozzle discharging water under pressure upon the paddle wheel for actuating the same, and means operated by the rotation of the paddlev wheel for imparting thereto an axial vibratory motion into and out of engagement with the distributor head for effecting progressive rotation thereof.

16. In an automatic sprlnkler, a rotary distributor head, a paddle wheel mounted for independent rotation relative to the distributor head, a helical cam on the adjacent face of one of said members, engaging the other member and effecting a gradual separation of the members and permitting a sudden return movement thereof into impact engagement with each other during rotation of the paddle wheel for imparting an actuating impulse to the distributor head and a jet nozzle discharging water under pressure upon the paddle wheel.

17 A sprinkler including a rotary distributor head and a high speed rotary impeller mounted in eccentric relation with the distributor head for independent rotation, actuating means therefor, helical cam means for 77 effecting gradual elevation and sudden res lease of the impeller during each rotation thereof, the impact of the released impeller at the limit of its return movement being imparted to the rotary distributor head whereby the latter is momentarilyadvanced.

18. In a slow motion sprinkler, a revoluble discharge nozzle, a stem upon which the nozzle is carried for rotation about a vertical axis, a repulsion operated impeller revolubly a mounted for rotation about an inclined axis tion of the discharge nozzle, means for supplying water under pressure to both the nozzle and the impeller, said impeller being capable of axial movement in unison with its rotary motion, means for elevating the impeller and releasing it from its elevated position for descent under gravity influence into impact engagement with the discharge nozzle, the impact thereof being effected in an inclined direction to the plane of rotation, whereby the nozzle is given progressive rotary impulses.

19. In an automatic sprinkler, a slow speed rotary distributor mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, a high speed rotary impeller therefor, repulsion jet arms carried by the impeller, said impeller being mounted for rotary motion about an inclined axis laterally offset in relation with the axis of rotation of the distributor, and means for effecting intermittentimpact engagement between the impeller and the rotary distributor toefiect progressive rotary motion of the latter.

20. In an automatic sprinkler, arotary distributor head revoluble about a vertical axis, a discharge nozzle carried thereby, means for supplying water thereto, an impeller'capable of both rotary and axial motion mounted in laterally offset relation with the axis of rotation of the distributor head, water pressure means for efiecting rotation of the impeller, and means for effecting intermittent axial movement of the impeller simultaneously with its rotary motion, the impeller in its return axial movement effecting impact engagement with its support thereby imparting to the distributor head successive actuating impulses. r

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this th day of October AD. 1931.

JOHN HENRY KEYS. 

